Louisville Orchestra Musicians Reject Latest Contract

The musicians of the Louisville Orchestra have rejected the latest contract offer from management. The impasse peaked late last month, when the players declined an offer to sign all the musicians who remained in Louisville but cut the orchestra to 55 members by June 2013. They differed on how many players should be hired up front and how long the cuts should take. The management then began seeking replacement musicians.

The search continued, but talks resumed early this month. The mayor’s chief of staff has joined the Louisville Labor Management Committee in facilitating the negotiations, which have reportedly yielded several offers and counteroffers, but few results.

The musicians voted last night on the most recent proposal and unanimously rejected it, according to a statement. In the statement, musicians say they cannot accept an offer that restricts them from performing elsewhere, provides limited job security and includes a pay cut.

The last publicly-discussed offer from the management, which was also rejected, called for pay to continue at the same rate as the previous contract, but for less time. The musicians say they will accept a cut if management will bring in outside consultants during the season.

When the impasse began last year, the musicians began performing as Keep Louisville Symphonic. Players are planning holiday fundraising concerts, though not necessarily under the Keep Louisville Symphonic name.